How to Budget for Full-time Rving
Be realistic when planning to become Full-time RVers and establishing your RV Budget.
How much will it cost me?
Every prospective full-time RVer asks the same question when considering this lifestyle, “How much will it cost?”
Unfortunately there isn’t just one answer.
Each person will have different expenses depending on what their needs or wants are, similar to most people who live in a house.
The cost of the home or RV, whether you live frugally or in luxury will affect how much it will cost to be on the road full-time.
It’s up to the individual.
Let’s assume the RV has been purchased and there is no debt.
That will also apply to everything needed to begin the adventure of full-time RVing including a tow vehicle, gadgets for the RV, bikes, computers, sports equipment, etc.
Fuel
No doubt about it the fuel bill will be expensive and depends entirely on how much actual travelling will be done and the size of the RV.
The more you travel the higher the expense.
By having a tow vehicle, bicycles or motorcycle available helps make sightseeing or running errands much more economical.
When planning a route, calculate the distance against the average price per litre for fuel and you should have a close idea of what the costs will be.
Don’t forget to add fuel costs for the tow vehicle and any touring that might be done.
Campground Fees
If staying in luxury resorts then the campground costs will be high but if boondocking then they will be almost nothing.
Prices may range from $15/per night to $100/night for most campgrounds and prices should be less if staying for a longer period of time.
Staying in one place for a month?
Then ask if there’s a monthly rate available or weekly, whichever applies to the situation.
The prices will depend on the time of year and the region.
If it’s high season and extremely busy then prices may be higher.
Consider traveling off season when rates are cheaper and the crowds are less.
If you have a membership – this may help you reduce the costs of campground fees.
Propane
How much cooking is done, whether propane is needed for keeping the refrigerator cold or anything else will determine what amount of propane will be used.
Thirty dollars a month for propane is probably quite realistic.
If you are using your furnace regularly then the cost of the propane will go up.
Read our guide on how to heat your RV without Propane.
Vehicle Insurance / Maintenance
This will depend on the type of vehicle and RV.
A motorhome pulling a toad will have two vehicles to insure while a truck pulling a fifth-wheel or trailer will have one vehicle and a trailer to insure.
Living full-time in the RV will increase the rate and by not advising the insurance company of that fact may make the policy void.
It’s not worth it.
Whether you pay monthly or yearly, average the amount over 12 months to include in the monthly budget.
Regular maintenance will prevent major problems and reduce costs overall.
Food
The food bill may be similar to the regular cost when living in a stick house unless the eating habits change when on the road.
Keep costs down by using coupons, watching for specials and by having more time for food preparation using fresh ingredients.
If the food bill is $400/month normally it will probably be close to the same in the RV.
Laundry
Washing three or four loads per week plus the cost of soap, etc would be average.
Washers can be anywhere from $1.25 – $2/ load and the dryer at least $2/ load and that will depend on what is being dried.
Cell Phone / Communications / Satellite TV / Internet
Shop around!
Look for the best deal and talk to other RVers.
This is a very important for connecting with friends and family from home and staying in touch.
Medical - Dental - Insurance - Prescriptions
This is also an individual cost and will depend on the medical plan and need for prescriptions.
Entertainment - Gifts
Include dining out, birthday gifts, Christmas, etc and any functions you attend. The amount will depend on the individual budget.
Personal Expenses - grooming, etc.
This is for haircuts, toiletries, spas, etc.
Pets
Not everyone has a pet but if you do then budget for their food, grooming, inoculations and any other regular expenses.
RV Club Memberships
RV Clubs and memberships can help reduce campground fees or offer discounts on insurance, etc.
Shop around to find what is applicable to each individual situation. Seriously there’s something for everyone – solos, couples, Canadians, Seniors, Families, etc.
We belong to Escapees – #38554 – if you join please tell them I referred you. I don’t receive anything but I would like them to know. Thanks.
Check out my post on the advantages of memberships.
Emergencies and Savings
Make sure there is a regular amount placed in an emergency fund and for savings.
Plan for it - then make it happen!
By planning ahead and knowing what things cost will help a potential full-time RVer plan for their new lifestyle.
Be realistic so there aren’t any surprises later – it will go along ways to ensuring your adventure is a positive one and your RV budget is balanced.
Knowing how to budget for full time RVing before you leave will go a long ways towards your success.
I hope you find this information helpful and I ask that you share your questions or suggestions in our comment section.
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